The eyes have it: Uni creates contact lenses that slow vision loss

Contact lenses that can correct vision and prevent deteriorating eyesight are being trialled, after being developed by Queensland researchers.

A team at the Queensland University of Technology have designed the lenses, with a specific focus on slowing the development of myopia, also known as short-sightedness, which affects about 15 per cent of Australians.

Johnson & Johnson Vision has given Professor Collins and his team extra funding to continue working on improved contact lens designs while initial lenses are being trialled.

Photo: Supplied

Professor Michael Collins from QUT's School of Optometry and Vision Science said myopia generally developed in people at seven or eight years of age and progressed from there.

Myopia sufferers' vision could easily be corrected, but that did not slow the condition's progression.

"As myopia progresses, the eye stretches and this leads to degenerative conditions developing at the back of the eye as you get older," Professor Collins said.

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"The lenses contain one part to get your vision sharp and help you see clearly and the other part is designed to slow the progression of myopia.

“Usually contact lenses aim to provide clear vision over the whole area of the lens.

"But we are making certain regions of the lens have different optical powers and provide a different focus of light on the retina at the back of the eye.

"This can change the eye’s growth and slow the progression of myopia.”

Professor Collins said the new lens design worked for both hard and soft varieties and looked no different to regular lenses.

Initial lens designs were being trialled and could be commercially available in two or three years.

In the meantime, Professor Collins said increased exposure to sunlight for children would also help in the fight against myopia.